TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan must demonstrate its determination to defend itself, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said during talks with US Senator Jim Banks on Thursday.

The president emphasized that Taiwan values peace, but it is only possible through strength, per the Presidential Office. Taiwan is willing to engage in exchanges, but they should not come at the expense of democracy, freedom, or national interests, Lai said.

During the country’s first direct presidential election 30 years ago, in the face of missile threats from China, the Taiwanese did not back down and confidently cast their votes, Lai pointed out. Thirty years later, Taiwan must continue to uphold democratic values and safeguard its hard-won prosperity, he said.

Lai expressed hope that the Legislative Yuan would support the government’s NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special defense budget to prove its commitment to strengthening defense and fulfilling its responsibility to regional security.

Banks said that Taiwan matters because of its democratic legacy. The country is vital to the modern global economy and shared prosperity and is an indispensable regional partner, he said.

The senator praised Lai for increasing defense spending. However, Banks urged the Legislative Yuan to pass the special defense budget to signal to China and the international community that Taiwan is serious about maintaining peace through strength.